Rebirth Into My Second Chance

After tidying up the apartment, I collapsed into bed, seeking refuge in rest.

Barely had I closed my eyes when a nightmare jolted me awake. In it, a figure I dubbed "Scar Man" defiled my sanctuary, leaving me struggling against the dark tide of his influence, fighting back only to be greeted by shadows and pools of crimson. Awake in a heartbeat, I was left questioning reality.

Had I dreamt it, or had death embraced me?

Frantically, I slapped my arm, welcoming the sting of pain-a reassuring sign of life.

Tears came unbidden for the first time since my rebirth, not from fear, but from the profound relief of survival.

It was then my phone rang. Claude's name flashed on the screen.

I took a moment to steady my voice before answering.

"Why the no-show? Forgot about the curfew again?" he queried, a hint of accusation in his tone.

I stretched lazily, not immediately responding, only to hear his buddy chime in from the background, "Come on, Claude, Claire's at that age where fun is all she wants. Lighten up." Fun?

Claude looked away,

I replied, my voice unexpectedly calm. There was a

he believed didn't matter to me. I was done trying to keep

you could stay at the

isn't a necessity," I retorted, surprising even myself with my

coming to pick you

the phone aside and buried myself

so keen on dragging me back, especially after his recent possessiveness. True to his word, Claude called again

"I'm downstairs. Come down."

wait up, I lied, eager to end

spot

Someone's already pulling strings.

Silence.

blackmailing

"Claude, you "

Ten minutes. I'll be waiting," he dictated, leaving me no choice but